our impact
In 2025, we saw careers begin, confidence grow, and mentors carry what they'd learned back into their organisations.
The problem
The creative industries grew at more than double the rate of the wider economy last year. But that growth isn't reaching everyone.
16%
of the people in the creative industries are from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
70%
of creative jobs are
never formally advertised.
73%
believe there is class-based
discrimination in the creative industries
48%
decline in the number of Arts GCSE entries since 2010.
2025 Highlights
13
cohorts run
292
mentoring pairs matched
2,233
hours of mentoring delivered
108
jobs and placements secured
1,525
professional connections made
99%
of mentees upskilled
What our mentees said
“I had a mentor who believed in me, pushed me, and uplifted me throughout the process. It felt like a genuine step forward, not just in terms of opportunities, but in how I see myself and where I'm heading creatively.”
Karmeta Clarke-Newman
“My whole experience was so much more than I expected, I was finally able to be in the rooms that I had not thought I could enter. I really enjoyed meeting new people and seeing first hand the possibilities that are ahead for me. It's so cool seeing professionals work in fields that you are working towards because it makes the goal feel real.”
Razik Darji
“I'm just not from a creative background, as amazing as they are and as much as they supported me, they don't know what an Art Director or a Creative Director is. Through the programme, I've learnt what these roles are in more depth, and my mentor has helped me realise what it is I actually want to do.”
Callum Smith
Industry Impact
The impact of mentoring goes beyond our programmes.
Our mentors leave the programme with sharper coaching skills, a clearer understanding of the barriers young people face, and tools they take directly back into their organisations.
This means they can help build more inclusive cultures within the creative industries and creative more supporting systems to break the class ceiling from within.
93%
of mentors likely to hire someone from a lower socioeconomic background to their organisation
78%
increased coaching skills
79%
increased ability to encourage reflection
87%
increased listening skills
73%
increased people management skills
"The partnership with Creative Mentor Network has helped open doors, build confidence and create meaningful, lasting connections for mentees and mentors alike. We're proud to be a long-standing partner."
Liz Jeffrey, VP People Experience
Sony Music UK
Read the full report
The 2025 Impact Report covers mentee outcomes, mentor development and case studies from our community.
Interested in working with us?
Find out how a partnership with Creative Mentor Network develops your people and helps break the class ceiling in the creative industries.